WOVEN TREASURES: TEXTILES FROM THE JASLEEN DHAMIJA COLLECTION (19-20 OCTOBER 2016)

The densely embroidered

angias

in the present lot

are short-sleeved, backless bodices with a plunging

V-shaped neckline. They are fastened across the back

by two ties that stretch across the upper and lower

sections. Embroidered with large blooming flowers on

the breasts and the sleeves, each flower has an orange

or blue centre surrounded by white petals. In some

ways the embroidery is reminiscent of the

phulkari

of Punjab. Only a few examples of bodices made in

the Chamba embroidery tradition exist, making these

two pieces extremely precious and rare.

CHAMBA BODICE WITH LARGE

FLORAL MOTIFS

CHAMBA, HIMACHAL PRADESH,

LATE 19

CENTURY

a) Handspun and handwoven cotton embroidered

with untwisted silk, double-sided hand embroidery,

natural dyes

Length 16.75 in (43 cm), Sleeve span 30.5 in (78 cm)

b) Handspun and handwoven cotton embroidered

with untwisted silk, double-sided hand embroidery,

natural dyes

Length 15.5 in (40 cm), Sleeve span 27.5 in (70 cm)

$ 4,550 - 6,065

Rs 3,00,000 - 4,00,000

(Set of two)

NONEXPORTABLE